Emergency restoration begins on roof of Shahrud Bazaar
The head of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department of Shahrud, Semnan Province, has announced the signing of a contract for emergency restoration work on the roof of the city’s historic bazaar to help safeguard the valuable monument.
Seyyed Mohammad Sadeq Razavian said the current phase of the project includes repairing the brick paving on the roof, repointing mortar joints, and carrying out other essential conservation measures to prevent water penetration and minimize the risk of further damage, ISNAwrote.
He noted that the Shahrud Bazaar, one of the city’s most significant Qajar-era landmarks, is registered on Iran’s National Heritage List. Preserving its authenticity and structural integrity, he said, remains a priority for the local cultural heritage office.
Razavian added that the bazaar has undergone several restoration campaigns since 2011. Major conservation work has included comprehensive roof repairs, repaving the market’s walkways with stone, upgrading and reorganizing water, electricity and gas connections for commercial units, and installing a surface water drainage system throughout the bazaar.
He said restoration efforts will continue to strengthen the structure, improve the business environment for shopkeepers, and provide a more welcoming setting for visitors. He added that the project will be closely supervised to ensure the long-term protection of the nationally registered monument.
The historic Shahrud Bazaar, one of the city’s most distinctive Qajar-era landmarks, stands at the heart of Shahrud. Designed to suit the region’s hot, arid climate, the covered structure features an ingenious roof system along with brick and mud-brick domes that help reduce heat and maintain a cooler interior. Much of the structure was originally built with sun-dried mud bricks, reflecting traditional construction techniques adapted to the desert environment.
The bazaar has five entrances and two main passageways known as the Bazaar and Anarakis corridors. Beyond its rows of shops, the complex also includes a mosque, caravanserai, school, water reservoir, and bathhouse, illustrating its historic role as the commercial and social heart of the city.
Covering approximately 18,000 square metres, the Shahrud Bazaar comprises two interconnected sections containing a total of around 250 shops. As one of the province’s most important historic marketplaces, it continues to serve both local merchants and visitors while preserving its architectural and cultural significance.